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Community leaders, local business owners and residents in western Michigan’s Upper Peninsula held a virtual press conference today to announce $50 million to support site preparation for the Copperwood Mine in Wakefield and Ironwood Township in Gogebic County. He praised the Michigan Strategic Fund for its investment.
The project is expected to generate a total capital investment of $425 million and create 380 long-term, high-paying jobs and 300 additional construction jobs in the western Upper Peninsula.
Copperwood Resources, the Highland Copper subsidiary responsible for construction of the Copperwood Mine, has developed a strategic Received $50 million in performance-based grants for field preparedness programs. Improvements also benefit the surrounding community.
“We must invest in rural America for the sake of our local and national economic security,” said Invest UP Vice President Matt Johnson. “The Upper Peninsula has a long history of supplying mineral resources, with the only operating nickel mine and one of the few remaining iron ore mines in the United States. We need both community partnerships and government and private investment to support the local economy and provide vital mineral resources to society.While I live in Copperwood, I need a job to support my family, Local tax, investment in infrastructure will strengthen the future of our rural communities and the region’s mining industry.”
The Copperwood Mine is one of the few fully permitted greenfield copper mines in the United States. The copper that is mined has an acid-free ore body and cannot produce acidic effluents that have negative effects on the environment and human and animal health. The project will not draw water from Lake Superior.
Copperwood Resources has made a $6.5 million financial guarantee, which is subject to review every three years and additional guarantees, to ensure that taxpayers and the community can complete all required reclamation activities. It has been carried out with the State of Michigan as collateral to ensure that. The company is working to place hundreds of acres of natural wetland habitat into conservation easements. The ecosystems in these protected areas remain protected long after mining operations have ceased.
Highland Copper CEO Barry O’Shea said: “We could not be more excited about this investment and the opportunity to bring approximately 400 good-paying jobs to the Upper Peninsula.” . “I want to thank Governor Whitmer and the people of Michigan and Western UP for being great partners in this project. We look forward to building our future together.”
According to an economic impact study by public sector consultants, the project is projected to generate more than $15 million annually in local, county, state and federal revenue and increase statewide business spending by more than $130 million annually. I am.
“The Copperwood Mine Project is an important economic development project for the state and will create jobs. But most importantly, it will strengthen Michigan’s leadership in resilient automotive and mobility supply chains and advances in the new energy economy. “This project’s role in this project is to “From mining to recycling the same minerals, Michigan must play a leadership role in strengthening America’s competitiveness and reducing our dependence on foreign supply chain sources. From EV batteries to solar Copperwood can play an important role when considering the production of everything from panels to panels.”
Many in the region see the Copperwood Mine Project as an opportunity to grow the local economy and create jobs for this and the next generation. Twenty-two government units, from townships to county commissions, have issued resolutions of support, nearly a dozen local agencies have submitted letters of support, and dozens of area residents have spoken publicly at Michigan Strategic Fund meetings. .
Local and Statewide Voices Supporting Copperwood Mine Project
“This is a very exciting opportunity for Michigan and the Upper Peninsula. With an economy based on natural resources, Michigan has thrived for hundreds of years,” said State Sen. Ed McBroom, Michigan’s 38th District. . “We have been working hard to make this happen for many years and we are very happy that we are finally here.”
“This project is critical to the economy of the western Upper Peninsula and has strategic value to our nation,” said State Representative Greg Markkanen, Michigan’s 110th District.
“For more than a decade, Wakefield Township has worked with Highland Copper on an ongoing basis to build a fully permitted and safe mining operation within our township and adjacent Ironwood Township. We have been involved in the effort and fully supported it,” said Wakefield Township Supervisor Mandy Lake. “The proposed Copperwood Mine brings hope to the surrounding communities of a sustainable future for the western Upper Peninsula. We look forward to continuing our partnership to help provide essential copper resources that support Michigan’s efforts toward a prosperous future.Wakefield Township supports the return of mining to the Gogebic Mountains We are delighted to have the opportunity to work with Highland Copper, MEDC and MSF to achieve this goal.”
“The history of mining in the Gogebic Mountains defines us. We are extremely grateful to Copperwood Resources and everyone involved in the process to get to this point.” Ironwood Town said Jay Kangas, Shipp’s supervisor. “The community is ready and willing to continue our efforts to bring this innovative project to the townships of Ironwood and Wakefield. “Not only will it boost the local economy, but it will also reduce the state’s and our people’s dependence on foreign copper supplies. The legacy of the mining industry remains strong.”
“I’ve hunted and fished in areas around mines all my life, and I know that mining, wildlife and recreation can coexist. Both of my grandfathers were miners,” Ironwood said. said Paul Holst, a city resident. “This investment will not only bring more mining jobs to UP, but also residual jobs and jobs for our children.”
“Michigan Building and Construction Trades Council understands the complexities of copperwood mining projects. We will ensure that they are constructed safely, timely, and in accordance with the highest construction and environmental standards.” said Ryan Stern, UP representative for the Michigan Building Trades Council. “For too long, high school seniors have left their areas in search of well-paying jobs. This project will give high school graduates the opportunity to earn a good living without having to relocate. Construction, operation and maintenance will provide sustainable employment for hundreds of families in an area that is in great need of economic stimulation.”
“Ironwood has been experiencing a 100-year decline in population, and the lack of snow this past winter has shown how fragile our tourism economy is,” said Tom Bergman, Community Development Director for the City of Ironwood. said. “To be an economically sustainable community, we need a diverse range of industries. Copperwood not only provides an important element to that context, but also provides the impetus for a robust local economy.” .”
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